Another Week Another Letter!!

May 29th 2017

 One last picture by our old neighborhood, the beautiful Montreal Temple.

Hi everyone!

This week has been crazy, busy, and fun. This week we moved from one city to another and it has been such a blessing. Before, we lived in a predominately French area about 15-20 minutes away from where we usually work, which also used up a lot of our kilometers. But now, we moved into a cute apartment that's like 3 minutes away from the church, and around where we usually work. We are soooo happy. 

A cute park, by our old house. It will be missed!

Something fun happened this week as we met with someone for the first time. Her name is Maria, she's from here, and actually lives very close to our new apartment. She was met by the Spanish speaking missionaries, while they were walking on the street, and they gave her a Book of Mormon. And when we called her to see if we could explain more about it, she told us that she was already on chapter three and was really enjoying it. We were surprised but super happy. So then we met with her and explained more about what it was, why it's important, and how it was relevant for her life today, and it was a great meeting. But the funnier thing is after a few days we texted her to see how she was doing, then she told us, "the book is already helping me in my life, last night it helped me resist temptation when I went on a date!" We were like whaaat! It was so cool. It's incredible what that book can do in our lives. 

With one of my favorite philippino families! Love them so much!

Ryan is doing great, he really loved church yesterday. We talked about how we can look at people through Jesus' eyes, something he wants to start doing. We also committed him to start reading the gospel of Mark, so he could get a better idea of Jesus' life, and he has been loving that. He is really starting to come to know his Father in Heaven and his Savior. We are going to dinner with him at a member's home who lives by the church this week! He's excited and nervous. He said one of his life dreams was to be invited to a dinner at someones home. 

Sydney came to church yesterday after the first time in awhile! He had to work later in the afternoon so he could only stay for the first part, but he really liked it. We actually had a lesson with him and a recent convert from the French ward this last week. They know each other! They went to high school together, and Sydney was shocked to see how much his friend had changed by accepting the gospel. We just let them talk the whole time. Sydney asked questions, and Lamin, the recent convert, just bore such sincere testimony of all that he has come to know. The spirit was so strong. 

Nicole came to church this last week too! She's so wonderful. She really has the desire to understand. We got her a Book of Mormon in Swahili this week. And it's good and wonderful, but man the language barrier frustrates us sometimes, we just wish we could communicate with her openly, and teach her in the language of her heart. But we do the best we can with the materials we have, and we also know the Spirit is the real teacher. She will grow in her knowledge and testimony with time.

Me, Marcus, Nicole loooove them!

So that's the update with everything. Today is actually Sister Bolander's two month mark. And the 3rd of June is my 16 month mark. We joked the other day about how, together, we make a whole missionary. We laugh a lot and that's one of my favorite things. I love that we laugh together. 

Sister Bolander with a cat. She's dangerously allergic, but this members cat CHOSE her.

 It was incredible to see

Anyways, I hope you all have a great week! Be safe this memorial day (which doesn't exist in Canada )

Sister Thomas

A Miracle in My Hands

23rd May 2017

Hi everyone!

Sister Bolander wanted to be artsy while we were by the water. 

We call this one, future lookin' bright

Hope you are all doing well, this week has been so wonderful, filled with happy moments! 

I want to explain everything, but it may be a little difficult for me because I got stuck with keyboard that is barely functional, so we'll see how this goes. 

And we are emailing today because yesterday we celebrated the birthday of Queen Victoria with the rest of Canada, it's basically like memorial day for the states, a day off, but no one knows why. We spent it by doing a service project in downtown Montreal, we picked up trash and cleaned up some gardens. It was wonderful! And the rain even stopped for the whole three hours we were there. It was a miracle! (because it started raining really hard right when we left, tender mercy!)

This last week we were able to start teaching a women named Nicole, who was a referral from a member of the Spanish speaking congregation! She is wonderful and we love her and her family to pieces already. Nicole is from the Congo, but speaks Swahili and a little bit of English. We met with her last Saturday and talked with her about her relationship with God, and prayer, and then we invited her and her three kids to come to church with us. She was so excited because she has been in Canada for 5 months but hasn't been able to go to church, and she was searching for a place to go. So the next morning we met up with them and walked with them, Nicole, Maxy (7), Marcus (6), and Malcom (3 months) to church. We only got lost twice, had to turn around once, and had to make up some games to keep the kids entertained, but we got there! (don't worry they only live like 12 minutes away from the church, we just weren't familiar with the best route)

While at church, Nicole was so happy. She kept turning to us and saying, "I love this church! This church is perfect!" She was so happy that her family was there together. Her husband is actually in Alberta now for work, but he should be coming back in a few months. 

But the real miracle was last night. We had a lesson with Nicole and we brought the member who told us about her, Jessica, who has only been in Canada for a month (and she's already doing missionary work, she's the best)!! And it was so wonderful. Nicole made us a delicious African dinner and then we talked with her about the Book of Mormon. She had great questions, but the thing that struck me was listening to Jessica, who spoke very limited English, testify about the Book of Mormon and what it has done for her. She said, "the book is a miracle in my hands." And that hit me. And since last night I've been reflecting about my testimony of the Book of Mormon, and I have come to realize that my words match hers. That book is a miracle in my hands, in my life, and it has changed me forever. We've taught many people this week more about the Book of Mormon, and in preparation for that, I've been reading it and studying it very intently, making sure that when I bear witness of its truthfulness, I am doing so from my heart. And that study and that preparation, things that I have been doing since the beginning of my mission, have paid off. And now I can say truly, that the Book of Mormon is a miracle in itself, and the things it has taught me about my Savior have changed my heart. I understand Jesus Christ more now, I've been studying what He said to people long ago by marking the times where His words are quoted by ancient prophets. It has taught me so much. And studying it with the Bible has enriched my perspective of how much the Lord loves us, His people, in all areas of the world. I'm just so happy to know what I know.

Made a map out of Alma 32 for Ryan, he loved it! He is doing so good :)

And I know that everyone can come to that knowledge for themselves, it's not specific or limited to me or to other missionaries, or members, but it's a knowledge that the whole world can come to. And did you know that we actually give away free Book of Mormons' like all the time? Or did you know that you can order a free one online? just go on www.mormon.org, and bam its right there! Just sayin'.

Anyways, I love you all. Really truly.

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Sister Thomas 

Got some sauce packets from Taco Bell and we fell in love

Bonne Fête des Mères!

15th May 2017

Sister Barnes (MY MTC COMPANION! wow is training at the same time with me!!!!), 

Sister Simpson (the MTC companion of Sister Bolander, 

also I know her her older sister so that's funny), 

Sister Bolander (love her lots and lots), me

Hi everyone!

Wowowowowow, what a week. Last week feels like a century ago. So much change this last week and so many exciting things happened. First off, I got my new companion this last Wednesday! Her name is Sister Bolander, she's from Arizona, she went to three years of college at BYU before her mission, and she is basically the coolest and I love her. She flew into Montreal on Tuesday, so this is all very new to her. But she is so wonderful, and we've had lots of speical moments together already, so I think it's fair to say that we are both happy.

And before I go any further, HAPPY (late) MOTHER'S DAY to all the amazing mom's in the world. We are so lucky to have you, thank you for all that you do, you make this world a better place. 

Here's a super beautiful video about mom's that the church made, Happy Mother`s Day :) (it only made me cry a little okay)

 

 MY MOTHER SHE IS SO PRETTY! I was so happy!!!

 

But it really is my favorite day, and I got to see some of my favorite people! Just seeing the faces of my beautiful mom, my amazing step mom, my dad, and all my sweet family made me SO happy. It really was a blessing to talk with them. And it feels weird to know that will be the last time I see their virtual faces before I get to see them in real life and squeeze their guts out. My goodness, time flies so quickly, and I just hope it'll slow down a little bit before August. But, even if it doesn't, I know Sister Bolander and I will enjoy our time together and rejoice in all the miraculous things the Lord will do for us. 

SELFIE!!

I just want to share one special tender mercy that happened this week. 

There was an older sister, Sister Poppe, in the congregation that passed away at the beginning of May and this last Saturday was her funeral. And sadly, because she was so sick, we had never had the chance to meet her, but we wanted to go to the service in hopes of supporting her family and friends. So, the day before the funeral, we were running around going to different appointments and talking to different people, and as we were driving, we were both super hungry, so we decided to pull over and get some lunch. The restaurant we chose was the very glamorous Burger King, but we were happy because they had a nice special going on (don't worry mom, we're not regulars there). Anyways, after we finished eating were about to walk out and and this man stopped us for a second, and said "Sisters! I'm so happy to see a familiar face!" We were a little surprised, because that's definitely usually not the response we get, but we started talking with this man and it turns out he was the son of Sister Poppe! He had drive down from Toronto for the funeral, he was tired and of course a little sad, but he said it was so nice to see us. Then we got to talk to him the next at the funeral, and all the rest of his family, and they talked about how their brother had told them about the experience and how much a tender mercy it was from the Lord for Him to send us to a Burger King at just the right time. And it showed me again that there are never any coincidences. 

Remember that this week, there is a reason for everything!

Until next Monday,

Sister Thomas

Coke in Quebec. Toi + Moi = <3 CUTE.

 SINCE WHEN ARE LAYS CHIPS LIKE THAT? We were talking to Ryan as he was working at a convenience store and we had fun looking around when people came in

SURPRISE!!!!

8th May 2017 

 

We had a dinner appointment with the daughter of my favorite person ever this last week

 (Sister Loute from my last area!!!), so we showed up,

just so excited to see her daughter Foster, 

but then Sister Loute came out from around the corner 

and I about fainted I was so happy to see her. I LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!!

MY HAITIAN QUEEN AND PRINCESS!

​​Hi everyone!

This week has been so crazy, another one full of miracles and happy things. And if you've ever wondered what May is like in Canada weather-wise, don't. It's not that great. At least this last week the weather has been annoying. Still cold, rainy and windy. This morning we walked out of our apartment and we think it was trying to snow. Oh Canada, what are we going to do with you.

But guess what, as this last transfer came to a close, last Saturday night we got a phone call, and we were told there would be some changes. Sister Bascom will be leaving and going to Quebec City this Wednesday, and her new companion will be my old bestie, SISTER ZOBRIST! (we laughed so hard) and as for me.............................. I'M TRAINING AGAIN! (are you freaking out, because I was too, I couldn't believe it) Sooooo, I will be receiving a brand new missionary, and most likely be spending the last three months of my mission with her, here in this area, I'm so happy! And soon enough I'll know who my new companion is. I'm excited to meet her :)

Our cute family in the ward who all speaks Sign Language, they were 

so sad to see Sister Bascom and her hands go :(

Okay, so I have to tell you all the wonderful things of this week, get ready.

Funny things,

OH MY GOSH it was so funny, we were walking out of Sydney's apartment area, and we saw this older Chinese lady with what must have been her grandson, and we were naturally so excited to talk to her, because I love Chinese people and freak out whenever I see one. So we go, and start talking to her in English, and she just looks at us, so we switch to French, and then she goes, "habla espanol?" And were like WHAT! And I try to start contacting her in the Spanish I know while at the same time we are trying to call the Chinese missionaries on our phone, but none of them are answering. Then as I start teaching/contacting in the most broken Spanish I can muster, the Elders call back and start talking to her in Mandarin. Then like 2 minutes later her bus came (dangit). And then the Elders told us she had moved to Venezuela for a while and that's where she learned her Spanish, and had just recently moved here. In the end, she wasn't really interested, but we couldn't stop laughing about how we contacted a Spanish speaking Chinese women. (Side note to the story, we tried to talk with the little kid she was with and he was SO GRUMPY, it was hilarious, I was trying to find something in my bag for him to play with, but man, he just looked like he wanted to punch me, he must have been having a bad day)

HAPPY THINGS!

Okay, remember Bryan, our super amazing miracle? Well, he started listening to the Book of Mormon this past week, and read through all of the first book of Nephi while at the night shift at his job at a local gas station. He really liked it. Then later in the week, after coming to our Tuesday night activity, he invited us and two other members over for a BBQ at his house, and it was super fun, but it was so so cold outside (AND IT IS MAY, WHY?!), Judy, one of the members had to borrow a scarf from our car. But, in spite of cold, it was great. We had an awesome discussion about church and church meetings while we were listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on his phone. He really is doing well. He came to church yesterday, we had a special broadcast for the North America Northeast area, and an apostle spoke, and he really enjoyed it. Recipe for success!

 

Photographic evidence of our super awesome BBQ with super awesome friends.

Another thing, we have been teaching a mother and her daughter for a little while now, and the mother is about to give birth. No like seriously, her C-section is scheduled for this Thursday. But they are so wonderful! She had some questions about the prophet Elijah in the bible, mostly because the mom (her name is Godlyn) really liked the name and was thinking about that name for her baby boy. So last night we went over and watched a few bible videos about Elijah and had a great time talking about his faith. And her daughter, Murnah, fell in love with the Gospel Library app we put on her moms phone. She was so excited about watching different videos about the Book of Mormon and the Bible. She even said "I want to name the baby Nephi!!! That's such a cute name!!" 

We also met a super cute old Phillippino lady at a local service project we go to. We usually sing with the elderly people at a facility or paint some of the older ladies nails, but this last week, we saw a new face roll into the room and so we went and sat next to her and tried to sing old French sings with her (none of us were very good at French so we just laughed). Then we saw her again the next day, and she is so cute. She doesn't really have family here, so she was really happy to have visitors. And we talked to her about prayer and the love God has for her, and she just looked at us and smiled so big. We love her. 

MAN, how I love this area, its full of some crazy people, but oh, how we love them. I love these members, the friends we have met, and all the people I know that Heavenly Father will introduce us too. I'm excited to show this new Sister how to have fun, how to laugh, how to teach, and how to find joy in missionary life. 

I'm also so excited because its T-minus 6 days until I see the beautiful faces of my family! What a blessing that will be. I can't wait. 

Everything is wonderful, hope everything is wonderful for you all as well. 

I pray for your well being,

One of our members has a BENGAL CAT. 

Have you ever heard of them?!! THEY'RE SO CUTE, and so fun! 

(and actually super expensive, yikes) 

But we tried to eat dinner with them, but me and Sister Bascom 

were just memorized by this cat, she was so cute!!!

Love,

Sister Thomas

Miracles!!

1st May 2017

 Canada is SO beautiful!!

HEY EVERYONE!

This week was AMAZING! SO many miracles and I want to share all that I can with you.

First off funny moment,

I've been meaning to write this for awhile now, but I always forget, but Sister Bascom is fluent in Sign Language because she has a deaf sister, and she has been teaching me some stuff and she's taught me how to pray. And it actually is perfect, and I'm now realizing that I should have learned ASL a long time ago, because I actually really don't like talking sometimes, those times, specifically, in the mornings. Those closest to me know that I'm not a morning person, and that characteristic didn't just disappear as missionary, but to accommodate that, I've started praying in Sign Language in the mornings, and I really love it! So we've started vetoing talking in the morning (which I love) and just signing. 

Happy, fun, tender, super wonderful things:

• Okay, this last week, while unsuccessfully trying to visit a member of the congregation here, we decided to walk around and find some people to talk to before we had to go home. And Heavenly Father guided us to this specific street and were walking for awhile, and after trying to contact some other people, we saw this man exiting an apartment building. And we ran over and asked him what road we were on, because we really didn't know, and it turns out he didn't either because he actually lived in another city, but was randomly visiting a friend. We started talking and walking with him, and talking to him about who we were as missionaries, and what we do. We started testifying about Jesus Christ, and about how He can help our families. And then he said something that really surprised us, "Ya know, its like really funny and pretty weird, but I actually had a dream once where two girls were talking to me in the street about Jesus... and now here you are.." Our mouths just dropped and we were so excited to tell him how mindful God is of him, and how there are no coincidences. It's every missionaries dream to be an answer to a prayer, or to hear that someone has had a dream about something, and it was such a testament to us because we knew that Heavenly Father was aware of him, and that He had prepared him to meet us. It was the coolest thing, and then we saw him the next day after his shift at a local coffee shop, and then he was able to come to church yesterday! I've never met anyone with so many questions in my life, but he is curious and so ready for answers. He said he has always believed in God but never had been to a church before, so it was his first experience ever yesterday. And he really enjoyed it. We had a super wonderful meeting and we were so happy he was there. We will be seeing him a few more times this week to answer his questions and continue sharing with him the message of the Restored Gospel. He is so great! (I usually don't mention people's actual names in my email, because of privacy and what not, so if you want to know, we will just call him Bryan!)
• Saturday Sister Dinge and I were able to go to the baptism of our friend Shatick! It was so cool to see him and see how much he has changed. I met him once in the subway 4 months ago, and then saw him on Saturday and I didn't even recognize him! He had changed so much and his countenance was so much brighter and he looked so happy. It was such a sweet experience.

 Me and Sister Dinge at Shatick's baptism 

(don't know why he didn't smile, it was the only second he wasn't... 

maybe he's just not a picture person)

• We had another one of our friends come to the family night last Tuesday, his name is Carl, and he had met missionaries before, but lost contact, but he really enjoyed the activity and we had a delicious dessert made by a recent convert, and he loooooved it. We talked about forgiveness, and it was exactly what he needed to hear at the time because of things going on in his family. Such a blessing!
• We saw Sydney again this last week. He really is doing great. He's been reading the Book of Mormon on his phone and praying everyday, seeing his change has been so fun. We taught him again about the Restoration on Saturday and he understood everything. At the end he told us, "I went to a Catholic school for 3 years, and I learned nothing about God, and you guys have been seeing me for like 3 months and now I know so much." It was pretty fun and tender that he was able to see how much he has grown as well. We love him!

Oh, all of this long email can't even begin to scratch the surface of how great this week was. Just know that things are going amazing here, we are happy and healthy, and the Lord is always by our side. We are so blessed. 

Here's some scriptures I was studying in the Book of Mormon today, (I really recommend the whole chapter!)

For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.

And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.

Mosiah 4: 19-21 (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.19-21)

Lets share with love everything we can with our brothers and sisters, even if they might not deserve it, because God gives us so much love and help, even, and especially, when we don't deserve it.

We had a mini-missionary in our midst this weekend! 

She was from another French ward in the South Shore.

 She was fantastic and it was so fun to be with her and show her what it was like as a missionary.

 She really enjoyed it. :)

Love you all,

Sister Thomas

The Grave Hath No Victory!

18th April 2017

 Happy Easter!!!

Easter it wouldn't stop raining, so a member gave us a giant umbrella to borrow.

Hi everyone!

Bonne fête de Pâques!!! Hope everyone had a super wonderful Easter. It's such a special Holiday, and its even more special as a missionary, were we have the unique opportunity to be able to talk about and preach of Christ at every moment. It truly is joyous time.

Last week I said I would make this email more Easter-ish. So, here it goes. My companion and I were asked to give talks this past Sunday at church, of course about Christ. And in preparation for that I reflected a lot over things that have happened in my own life and how because of those things my relationship with Christ has grown. Through various experiences in my life Jesus Christ has become more than just a person who existed a long time ago, who taught good principles, and helped people. Jesus Christ has become my best friend and as I've seen Him as the Divine Son of God that He is, I have ponder about what He has done for me, and about what it means for the rest of humanity. I've come to understand that Jesus Christ has given me second chances and third chances, and unending amounts of patience to help me change and become better. He has given me strength and given me a source of peace to turn to. He has given me things to hope for, namely, the possibility to live with Him again. He has conquered physical death and given us the chance to live after this life. He has given me the way to be united with my family forever. Truly, "the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." Mosiah 16: 8-9

(https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/16.8-9?lang=eng) 

I know that Christ lives today, that He loves us and that He has prepared incredible things for those who but accept Him and chose to love Him. 

And that's all I want to say today. As for everything else, everything else is great. We are happy and healthy. 

We call ourselves the Cigarette Annihilators !!! 

(this is what you do when you have an investigator that smokes, 

you take their pack and then rip it up,

 but before you have to take a fierce picture to prove it)

One of our friends lives right next to this house that has the most obnoxious dog ever. 

Every time we go, me and him have a braking battle. 

This time I think he won because I just couldn't stop laughing

Love you all,

Sister Thomas

 

P.S.

 Poutine straight from heaven (don't worry mom, we'll eat here)

Thankful for Gutters!

10th April 2017

Hi everyone!

Okay, so I was going to start this email off complaining about the constant rain we've been having this week, then I was going to express the empathy I've developed for the missionaries in rainy places like Washington. But, instead, I will start this email off by saying how shocked I am at the fact that today I've sweat. Its like 24 degrees right now. Which is like 75ish degrees Fahrenheit and we cannot believe it. The sun is out and everyone is happy. What a great start to the week.

Funny Moment:

• Okay, last week I attached a picture of me and a recent convert, Sandra, who I love so much. This last week as we visited her I left a note in her shoe, and I assumed that we would be getting a call from her the following day saying she found it. But then the next day came and there was no call. And then a few days came, and the next time we saw her we asked if she had found anything, to which she replied noooo. And then a few days after that, after she had worn those shoes to church and everything, she calls us back and she is just screaming. She was so surprised to find it in her shoe almost a week later. We all laughed and laughed. And I figured it was worthy sharing with everyone. So, make a note, shoes are a good place to hide things.
• Another thing, this week I finally came to understand why we have gutters. They've always been something that has troubled me. I've heard people complain about gutters my whole life and just never got the point of them. But this week it made sense. I think they were invented to protect missionaries in rain storms. Because, I realized without a gutter I would get soaked by rain running off the roofs while trying to talk to someone on their porch. So. This week I was grateful to my Father in Heaven for the simplicity and practical design of gutters. 

Happy Moments:

• This week we started teaching a girl named Milie, who actually lives right under another member of the ward. After hearing about her from the members, we wanted to meet her but had never found the right time, then this week, the stars aligned, and we got to sit down with her for a few minutes. And it was wonderful! We shared the Prince of Peace video with her, to which her only words were "that was SO CUUUTE!!!", then we shared the accompanied faith video, and we all almost in tears. Then she started asking questions about everything we do and what we believe, and we were able to teach her simply about the message of the Restoration. She was so excited about it! She took the Book of Mormon, and as we said we would like to leave that copy with her, she held it tightly to her chest and was so excited to read and learn more about it. She was SOOO CUTE. We'll see her again this next week. :)
• About Syndey, he is doing great. He has expressed the difficulty he has had with making big decisions, like being baptized. He said that his mother said that she wanted him to stay Catholic, and now, after his 18th birthday, he is in the process of making his own decisions. And this week we've really tried to help him identify God, and how God answers his prayers. We've helped him identify the pattern, and the answer that comes, so now we have to help him move forward with faith and continue to ask questions. We also helped him understand how we can share the gospel with his brothers and with his mom. We are trying to give him a bigger picture that this can be a family choice, and how it can really help them grow stronger. He's been inviting his family, and now it's just up to them to listen, but we know with his example, and all that he is doing, miracles really will happen.

And for a super happy moment, I talked on the phone with Sister Dinge this morning about the people in my last area, and was so happy to hear that many people are progressing and coming to church, and are having wonderful experiences. AND! Shatick and a beautiful Haiti woman named Sherly are getting baptized this weekend! Both people that Sister Dinge and I contacted while we were together, but either who lived in a different area, or who spoke a different language. But its so wonderful how the missionaries here work together. One companionship may find, and one companionship may teach, but we are all there united at the baptism, and we are all there rejoicing that another one of our brothers and sisters has made steps to come back home. What a beautiful Easter gift. Best I've ever gotten!

Okay, hope I've been able to pass off some of our happiness here. Things really are wonderful. Wonderful, but not easy. Happy, but only because of our hard work. And we work for our Savior, Jesus Christ, because we love him.

Have a wonderful week and HAPPY EASTER!!! (I'll write a more Easter Themed email next week. This really is my favorite time of the year, enjoy every second!)

Sister Thomas

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25: 26 (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/25.26)

Sister Bascom forgot her camera today  (we like hers a lot more than mine)

we even had some funny pictures. But, oh well. Until next week!

Prince of Peace

3rd April 2017

 Here was a literal blanket of snow we found a truck. ugh, Canadian weather.

HOW!!

selfie with the blanket

Hi everyone! 

So happy to be here on this BEAUTIFUL (finally!!) afternoon here in good ol' Quebec. The weather has been fantastic since yesterday and its finally making us think that spring might be coming. 

This week was so good! We had General Conference this last Saturday and Sunday, which was revelatory and amazing and fantastic beyond words (I'll attach my favourite, ugh Canadian autocorrect, favorite, talks at the bottom of the email). And we have been able to start sharing the amazing Easter initiative with people! It has lead to several very genuine conversations about religions, philosophies and different lifestyles with many different people. But one things for sure, the principles of peace are universal and all encompassing. Again, I really invite all of you to go to mormon.org and watch the video (its 2 minutes and 32 seconds long, you can do it) and then scroll down and look at the various principles. There are principles like, faith, compassion, prayer, and forgiveness to name a few. Each one comes with different ideas to how to find peace through the principle and comes with a beautiful video (the compassion one is my favorite right now). It offers us simple ideas of things we can do to really prepare ourselves for Easter. I started working on faith this morning by reading some scriptures (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.21-43#20 scroll down until the highlighted verses) and it was a very very special experience. Scriptures speak to us. 

Anyways, here's an attempt at a more organized email. 

Funny Moment:

Okay, here, and it must be just be in the South Shore, there are, what must be, dozens of these lime green little Hyundai hatchbacks that we see everywhere. We've turned it into our own little "punch buggie" game and pretty sure I'll be getting a bruise sometime soon. THERE ARE SO MANY! We don't get it. 

 

Went and had a family home evening at a members house with our amazing recent convert Sandra. We got teamed together for the activity, which was putting together a puzzle, and man we were pretty disadvantaged considering we had theeee most complicated puzzle and we tried to do it on the couch. Mais, malgré tout ça, we did it! We put it together. I love her so much.

Happy Moments:

• Sydney came to the chapel and watched General Conference with us! He came for the last half Sunday Afternoon session and he really liked it, we were so happy that he had the chance to see and feel what General Conference was like. And we've made plans to visit him this next week and watch with him a few other talks that he missed. He is doing well. We love him and his family, which actually doubled this week, because two of his brothers came back from their vacation in the Philippines, and we've started teaching one of them! Teaching a family about the gospel really is the best thing ever. So much good comes because of it. And Sydney is a great example for his younger brother. We love them so much.
• Alrighty, so about a month ago we started teaching this super cute family from India, Kulwind and Singh, who have two small children who are just the cutest. It's been interesting to teach them, as they don't have much of Christian background, but it's been wonderful as we have taught using pictures about the life of Jesus Christ and have brought them Hindi material. The husband, who is gone frequently because of his job as a truck driver, is very kind and has a huge desire to come to church. We have Stake Conference (a conference with the other congregations in the area) this Sunday and, luckily, he doesn't work and he said him and his family would be going. We are going to help them get there, but man we have so much love for them and teaching them simply about the gospel is a wonderful thing.
• We used those Plan of Salvation cut outs again (THANK YOU REBECCA) to teach one of our investigators, Dary about what happens to us after we die. A young family friend of hers recently passed away unexpectedly and it really rattled her. We were able to give her the hope and happiness that comes with God's plan as we explained exactly where her cute young friend was. It was a very personal and powerful experience for her to realize where she, personally, wants to be after this life. She wants to be with God and her family and friends again. And she's beginning to understand what she must do to get there. And we are right there with her. We also set her up to watch conference at her home yesterday, and we are sure it was a great experience. We invited her to write down some questions she had in preparation for conference, and because we know she was ready to receive answers, we know that God will them to her 

Sorry it's so long, but I hope everyone has a wonderful week, and to bring it back, I really invite you to visit mormon.org for those principles, they can change everything. They've changed me. 

Love you all!

Sister Thomas

Sister Bascom retried the bread recipe today and it worked beautifully! 

 ITS LIKE PURE GOLD (and don't worry its whole wheat flour)

Favorite talks: 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/trust-in-the-lord-and-lean-not?lang=eng

I love the idea, to not LEAN away from Christ.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/media/session_2_talk_12/5381833825001?lang=eng 

Goals and Planning. What every missionary, and person needs to know. 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/media/session_4_talk_4/5382435401001?lang=eng

Words from a dear Prophet of God, who only tells us exactly what we need to know and do. Listen to his counsel, I know that I will